Reid to speak on economic stimulus

Benjamin Grove

Thursday, Nov. 29, 2001 | 9:38 a.m.

WASHINGTON -- Sen. Harry Reid, D-Nev., on Saturday is expected to speak to the nation about the ever-changing economic-stimulus legislation that congressional negotiators are crafting.

Reid will give the weekly Democratic radio address, which airs after President Bush's weekly speech to the nation.

Lawmakers for weeks have been trying to work out details of a plan to stimulate the economy, but partisan differences have delayed progress. Reid, Senate majority whip, is expected to outline measures that Democrats have been pushing, including extended unemployment compensation and health insurance benefits for laid-off workers, aides said.

Details were not available about which Las Vegas radio stations would carry the pre-taped address; the text will be posted on Reid's website: senate.gov/reid.

Democratic Party leaders tap different lawmakers to give the address each week. House Minority Leader Richard Gephardt, D-Mo., gave the job to Rep. Shelley Berkley, D-Nev., on Nov 10. She also talked about the economic-stimulus package, criticizing Republicans for pushing for corporate tax breaks.

In other action, Reid today planned a press conference to push for increased anti-terrorism security at nuclear power plants. Sens. Hillary Clinton, D-N.Y.; Joseph Lieberman, D-Conn.; and Reid are introducing legislation aimed at shoring up weaknesses at nuclear power plants by requiring a national security force for nuclear facilities.